Does Baking Soda Work For Blackheads?
The question, “Does baking soda help acne blackheads?” is often asked around online. The answer is, “yes it does” if online reviews on YouTube and other sites are anything to go by.I have personally used the toothbrush method (involving the use of baking soda and toothpaste) outlined below after learning about from a YouTube video (Watch the video at the end of this article) and the results were simply put, phenomenal.
I could almost instantly see the results and the pores felt awesome after the treatment.
To understand the connection between baking soda and acne treatment, you first of all need to understand what blackheads really are.
According to the Health Line website, blackheads are acne bumps that have the skin over them open leading to oxidation of the content of the plug as a result of exposure to air. Oxidation is what gives the blackheads that characteristic black color; it is not dirt as some people claim.
Just like whiteheads (acne bumps with a closed skin over them), blackheads form when a clog comprising of sebum and dead skin cells forms inside the hair follicles in your skin. This then leads to the bump, called comedone, which we perceive as either acne whitehead or blackhead depending on the color.
Blackheads are also referred to as open comedones but it is also important to note that some blackheads may as well be yellow in color.
Now the principle behind using baking soda for blackheads is really simple. Baking soda helps to exfoliate the skin naturally when rubbed gently against it and thus unclog the pores. This is attributed to the gritty texture of those fine particles in the powder.
As an added advantage, baking soda helps to balance the skin pH, an action that despite having relatively little to do with healing of blackheads, is beneficial to the skin overall. Keep in mind however that excessive use of baking soda can cause your skin to dry out, so don’t go overboard. In addition, you should use baking soda and not baking powder.
How to Use Baking Soda for Blackheads
Baking Soda and Water Paste
Baking soda face wash is probably the easiest baking soda remedy there is for blackheads. To enhance the effectiveness of baking soda, a warm water soak or splash on the face beforehand is recommended. This helps to open up the pores and loosen the gunk in them.Some people also use facial steaming for the purpose which entails leaning over a pot of boiling water with a towel draped over your shoulders to trap-in the hot vapor rising from the pot. To wash your face with baking soda for blackheads removal, follow this steps:
- Prepare the face by warming it up with a washcloth soaked in water, a warm water splash, or facial steaming treatment to open up the pores.
- Mix one teaspoon each of baking soda and water and stir well to make a fine paste.
- Apply the paste to the blackhead-affected areas of your face. The T-zone is usually the most susceptible, so pay close attention to it.
- Massage the treatment area gently in circular motions to help with skin exfoliation.
- Allow the paste to sit on for 1 to 2 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.
- Finally, pamper your face with a cool water splash. This will help to constrict the pores and keep dirt out.
- Repeat this treatment once a week until you achieve the desired results.
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